Graduate Prospectus

Prospective and New Students

Q. How do online classes work?

Answer: Online courses are all instructor-led.

Each course has its own website where students participate in weekly discussions (bulletin board style), access materials, submit assignments, etc. Many instructors are also making use of web conferencing systems to add a real-time component -- usually for lectures, Q/A sessions, and even team presentations. Instructors schedule the real-time events as needed. Some instructors use them every week or every other week; others use them once or twice a semester. They are recorded so you can play them back later on -- which comes in handy if you miss the actual session.

The format of each course may vary. For example, management courses are likely to have active weekly discussions where students are required to reply to questions that the instructor poses to the class. Students are also encouraged to reply to the postings of their classmates. A mixture of team projects and individual assignments are also likely to be assigned. Exams may or may not be given, depending on the workload of the course. In contrast, there is less emphasis on weekly discussions in the more technical and math-oriented online courses. More emphasis would be placed upon homework assignments and projects.

Students may post or email questions for their instructors at any time. Instructors are required to respond within 48 hours (though in practice many check the discussion boards every day).

Q. What happens during "Orientation Week?"

Answer: You will be contacted by instructors who will discuss how the class will be conducted and address any questions you may have. If you have moved or your contact information has recently changed, please read the section "Updating your Contact Information." Orientation Week gives you time to become accustomed to your online course, order your books, and get a head start on your first assignments.

Answer: WebCampus has made web conferencing applications available for any instructor and/or group of students who wants to use them. These applications add a real-time component to online courses -- usually for lectures, Q/A sessions, and even team presentations. Instructors schedule the real-time class events as needed. Some instructors use them every week or every other week; others use them once or twice a semester. These events can be recorded so you can play them back later on -- which comes in handy if you miss the actual session. Alternately, some instructors use pre-recorded lectures on an "on-demand" basis.

Q. What books and materials will I need? Where are they available?

Answer: You can find the list of books and materials that you will need for your classes by viewing the textbooks page. Alternately, you can look up the textbook information in the appropriate course syllabus file.

Q. Are the admissions requirements different for online students than they are for on-campus students?

Answer: The admissions requirements are the same for online and on-campus Stevens students.

Q. My team would like to use the web conferencing system to collaborate on our project. Is this allowed, and is there any charge for this service?

Answer: The GMAT exam is only required for entry into the MBA program. PhD students must also take the GMAT or the GRE.

Q. Are there special requirements for the MBA in Technology Management?

Answer: The GMAT exam is a requirement for entry into the MBA in Technology Management program.

Q. What do I need to do to apply to a graduate program?

Answer: You will need to complete a Graduate Admissions application and AND two letters of recommendation. You will also to need submit your undergraduate transcripts. More information about the application process can be found on the WebCampus Resources section.

Q. What undergraduate GPA is required to be admitted to a WebCampus graduate program?

Answer: Generally a 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required for admission into Stevens. Consideration will also be given to those who have extensive work experience but may have slightly lower GPAs.

Answer: Stevens does not have an application deadline, as we have a rolling admissions policy. Domestic students who wish to start as soon as possible (but do not have complete application materials) may enroll as non-matriculating students until their applications are completed.

International Students need to submit complete application materials at least 3 months prior to the start of the semester to facilitate their visa application process.

Q. What is the process used to evaluate applications, and how long do admissions decisions take?

Answer: Once Stevens has received all the necessary documents, the application will be forwarded the to the appropriate department(s) for review. It takes, on average, 2 to 3 weeks for the departments to make a decision. The Office of Graduate Admissions will inform you of the decision by mail. It takes an additional week for the International Student Services office to prepare visa documentation for international students.

Q. What are the costs and fees to enroll in WebCampus certificate and graduate programs?

Answer: WebCampus does not have a specific online PhD program, though some graduate courses may apply to your PhD study plan.

Q. Are WebCampus courses and programs accredited?

Answer: WebCampus courses and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. WebCampus is also a partner of the Global Wireless Education Consortium (GWEC). The Project Management Institute (PMI) ? the world?s leading not-for-profit professional association for project management, and The Global Accreditation Center for Project Management (GAC) ? have jointly accredited graduate degree programs in project management at Stevens Institute of Technology.

Q. I started my graduate studies at a different college. Are my credits transferable?

Answer: Stevens Office of Graduate Admissions will determine if credits earned at other colleges and universities will transfer to your program of study.

Q. I am in international student. Is the TOEFL exam required?

Answer: A TOEFL exam score is required, unless you are a citizen of or have earned an undergraduate or higher degree from a country where English is the native language, or other acceptable evidence of English proficiency is provided. In addition, all accepted International Students (including those exempted from the TOEFL test) are required to take an English Competency examination administered by International Student Services before enrollment. Your performance on this examination determines whether non-credit Developmental English courses will be required.

Q. What is the minimum passing TOEFL score?

Answer: The nominal, minimum TOEFL score is 500 (Paper Based Test), 173 (Computer Based Test) and 61 (Internet Based Test) for all programs except Department of Computer Science and Howe School of Technology Management programs. The Department of Computer Science and School of Technology Management require a nominal, minimum TOEFL score of 550 (Paper Based Test), 213 (Computer Based Test) or 79 (Internet Based Test).

Q. How long are TOEFL scores valid?

Answer: TOEFL scores are valid for two years.

Q. What kind of computer hardware and software are required to facilitate my studies?

Answer: For advice on which degree would best suit your career goals, consult with a WebCampus Program Director.

Q. Can I audit courses?

Answer: Yes, you may audit WebCampus courses subject to the applicable Audit Limits.

Q. How are tests conducted? Are final exams given?

Answer: Details about how final exams are administered and graded are included in each course syllabus file. A week is set aside at the end of each semester for instructors to deliver final exams if they wish to do so.

Students may have several days in which to take their exams. WebCT exams can be automated, with any combination of multiple choice, true/false, or fill-in-the-blank questions. Grades for these automated exams are available immediately after submitting the final answer. Instructors pre-set the number of hours that students have to complete their tests once they click the exam start button. Questions and answers are randomized so that no two students will receive exactly the same test.

Essay questions may also be given, though in these cases, instructor intervention is required before grades can be posted. Some instructors may choose alternate modes of testing, such as faxed or mailed test sheets. In rare cases, instructors may wish to use proctoring centers, in which case students would need to report to a testing site to take their exam.

Not all instructors make use of a final examination if there were multiple assessments of student understanding performed throughout the semester.

Q. What is the grade breakdown?

Answer:

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C=

C

C-

F

4.0

3.7

3.3

3,0

2.7

2.3

2,0

1.7

0

Q. How do team assignments work? How often are they assigned?

Answer: Details about how team assignments are to be conducted and graded are included in each course syllabus file. Many instructors (particularly for management courses) use a mix of team and individual assignments throughout the semester. In a typical teamwork-oriented course, teams are formed at or near the beginning of the term. The instructor may assign students to teams or have the students form teams on their own. Team members select whichever study methods work best for them, whether it involves email, conference calls, web conferences, or a mixture of all three. (The Interwise web conferencing system can be made available to students who need to coordinate team activities.) Upon completion, team assignments may be posted in the discussion area for comment, or presented to the rest of the class in a web conference, or both.

Q. Before I apply for a graduate program, is there any way that I can review course schedules, syllabus files, or contact instructors?

Answer: Each course syllabus is included in the appropriate course description page. A generic schedule is typically part of the course syllabus file. You are free to contact any instructor to enquire about course content and assignments. Instructor contact information can be found in the WebCampus Faculty section.

Q. How long do I have to complete my degree?

Answer: You have six years from the time you begin your studies to finish your Master?s degree.

Q. I was just accepted. How do I register for classes? (And can I do this online?)

Answer: There are two ways to register. You can fax a completed Graduate Enrollment Form to the Office of Graduate Admissions or the Registrar, or you can go to the Stevens Web for Students screen and logon to the Student Services portal. (To obtain your logon information, consult the WebCampus Student Guide.)

Q. How do I contact my academic advisor?

Answer: Students receive the name their academic advisor in their acceptance letter. Students can also find out the name of their advisor by going to the Web for Students screen and log into the Student Services portal. This portal contains a Student Records drop-down list. Click on the Advisor element in this list to determine the name of your advisor.

Q. Are discounts available to members of professional societies and organizations?

Answer: Yes, discounts are available for members of qualifying organizations. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Q. My employer reimburses me for my tuition, but I need to provide documentation regarding my grades, etc. Who should I call to get this information?

Answer: The Registrar?s Office can furnish you with this information. The Tuition Reimbursement Form can be used to authorize Stevens to send your employer your grades.

Q Are deferred payment plans available?

Answer: A Deferred Payment Application can be obtained online.

Q I was an undergraduate student at Stevens. Do I need to submit an application in order to take WebCampus courses?

Answer: Yes. Students returning to Stevens for graduate studies will still need to apply for graduate admission. When you specify that you are an alumnus of Stevens on your graduate application, the Office of Graduate Admissions will obtain your transcript from the Registrar?s Office at no charge to you.

Q I was accepted into Stevens but will not be taking classes immediately. How long is my acceptance valid?

Answer: You have two years to begin classes from the time you are accepted. After that, you have six years to finish your Master? s degree.

Q How much time should I devote each week to my online course?

Answer: The time required will vary from student to student, but a good rule of thumb is to set aside between 8-12 hours per week for each graduate course to ensure a successful outcome.